July 2011

Oakley has long been a leader in eyewear, with patents to the best optical technologies in the world. How that translates into being able to produce a titanium watch that costs nine grand is beyond me. Yes, the CNC machined impact forged titanium case and bracelet are impressive. As is the ability to use a release lever on the left flank of the case to remove the watch so it can be used in the included pocket watch case. But does this justify a nine thousand dollar price tag? No.

At the 2011 Laguna Seca MotoGP race this past weekend, I had a chance to briefly review the new Tissot PRS516 Black Carbon Automatic sports watch. Plus, the lovely Tissot MotoGP girls were kind enough to model the new timepiece for PW readers. The Black Carbon Automatic PRS516 is based on a 1960's Tissot sport watch. Its case is stainless steel and measures 45 mm in diameter by 14.84 mm thick. Powering this racing inspired chronograph is a reliable self-winding mechanical Swiss COSC certified Valjoux 7750 caliber that is visible through the clear caseback. The dial features a special perlage-style carbon fiber finish. The bezel features tachymeter bezel and a scratch resistant black PVD treatment. Power reserve is 46-hours. Runs at 28,800 vph (vibrations per hour). Comes with a perforated black leather racing strap with push-button butterfly clasp. Water-resistant is

Porsche Design unveiled a new compass watch in March at Baselworld, the P'6250 Compass. Available in a limited run of 911 pieces. The P'6250 watch has a three-hand display on the top side. Powering the time and date display is the self-winding Swiss made Sellita SW300 movement. Concealed underneath the hinged dial, is a removable liquid compass. The case is titanium with a scratch resistant PVD coating. Water-resistance is 50 meters.

Breguet presents the unique Réveil Musical watch for Only Watch 2011. This one-of-a-kind timepiece will be auctioned on September 23, 2011 with all proceeds going to help the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

The success of the clock depended on the invention of a device which could control the release of power from its source. Around the later part of the 13th century, the verge escapement was invented and during the next three centuries, this escapement was greatly improved upon. The problem, though, was that the verge escapement was not an accurate timekeeper.

Originally released in 2009, the Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph has been updated for 2011. It still features the same Longines exclusive (ETA built column-wheel chronograph movement) calibre L688.2. The design is even almost identical, however, there are a few key differences between the 2009 and 2011 models. Previously the hands were gold-plated, and now they are made of polished steel. The case diameter was reduced from 40 mm to 39 mm. And an 18K solid rose gold case is now an option. Plus, there are two new limited edition pieces - Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Record.

Last week, Ducati and Tudor announced a new partnership, with the introduction of the Tudor Ducati Fastrider Chronograph collection (Ref. 42000). The new Fastrider chronographs feature 42 mm steel cases with both polished and satin finishes. The bezel is fixed with a tachymetric scale. The hours and minutes hands are skeletonized. The movement is an ETA self-widing chronograph caliber.

Nixie tubes were one of the first types of digital displays. Unlike U.S. tubes, Russian (Soviet) military tubes were made up until 1980 and use cold cathode tubes filled with neon gas with a wire mesh anode and a set of very intricate cathodes in the shape each of the numerals to be displayed. Due to their high cost, high voltage requirements and delicate construction -- Nixie tubes were eventually replaced by newer technology. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, these tubes became available on the surplus market. Even with all of the advances is digital display technology, the only way to replicate the original Nixie tube's alluring soft orange glow, is with original Nixie tubes. Today, ColdWarCreations combines Cold War era Russian military tubes, with current electronics, inside hand cut and polished Simax glass cases. The result, is